from Sean Gordon of the Globe and Mail,

Tonight’s third game in the series will be the sixth meeting between the teams in less than 60 days and the first of back-to-back games, which comes with physical challenges.

“Can’t stand here and say I’m a big fan of back-to-backs,” said Tampa captain Steven Stamkos.

Following brisk morning skating sessions, players from both sides insisted the focus is solely on tonight as the Habs attempt to dig themselves out of trouble, while the Lightning shovels will be busy trying to make the hole deeper.

After two days spent recuperating, and in Montreal’s case ruminating over a 6-2 loss in game two, the clubs were mostly trying to channel their energy and find playoff-level focus.

The Habs talked about the benefits of rest – “We need to play fast to have success,” said winger Alex Galchenyuk – and the need to avoid a familiar pitfall: penalties.

The Tampa power-play suddenly roared to life in the last game, the Habs will doubtless be encouraged to know such a thing is possible. They are 1-for-26 in the playoffs with the man-advantage.

“We’ve got the right Xs and Os, we’ve just got to make the plays,” said centre Lars Eller, who was sent out more regularly on the power play in game two.

more